As developers snag every available piece of land in the booming real estate market of Central Seattle, African American community members demand a seat at the table when it comes to who fills the future Africatown portion of Midtown development at 23rd and Union. How do you address the concerns of a diverse community while understanding the history of the land the development is being built on? By meeting, bringing those voices together, and giving them a chance to express their concerns and desires for positive change.

In light of the fact that Donald Trump is president, and that his consigliere Steve Bannon has publicly expressed a favorable view of the Italian fascist and SS enthusiast Julius Evola; considering the possibility that the neofascist Marine Le Pen’s Front National could win the 2017 elections in France; and given the explosive violence targeting Muslims, Jews and people of color in the US since Trump’s election, the time is certainly right to read and widely discuss Alexander Reid Ross’s new book, Against the Fascist Creep (AK Press, 2017).

Last week 70 year old grandfather and longtime human rights activist, Omari Tahir Garrett, while fighting against an improper eviction in court was detained indefinitely in King County Jail for several days without arraignment, bail, access to council, or access to any information about what he was accused of until days after his release.

This is a racially-motivated targeted eviction for profit that use Guantanomo style “indefinite detention” to silence Omari. If we don’t stand up, we’ll get swept out!

Many in Seattle know Omari Tahir-Garrett from his longtime activism against racism and for human rights and opposition to gentrification in Seattle’s historically Black Central District.

We have to stand up and defend Omari, THIS SATURDAY AT 9:00AM at 2314 E. Spring St. the Umoja Fest Peace Center. This is about fighting for justice for Omari’s detention and defending one of the last pillars against gentrification and for peoples’ right to housing in a Central District that is under siege by downtown developer.

Official crowd estimates for events like the annual Seattle MLK Day march are hard to come by but organizers said Monday the 2017 gathering might have been the largest in the 35-year history of the event.

You could also measure the crowd by the CHS video — four and a half minutes to walk from the start of the procession to the SPD contingent bringing up the rear. The marchers passed from Garfield High School to E Union then E Madison and onto the Federal Building downtown.

You can learn more about the history of the event and the day of workshops at Garfield High School that accompany it at mlkseattle.org

A new look at New Deal ‘redlining’ maps offers insight into subtle racism’s not-so-subtle predecessor

The “redlining” maps minted during the New Deal were a roadmap for investment in America’s cities. Seattle was no exception in warning bankers off extending loans to home buyers in non-white neighborhoods. Here’s a look some of the more racist descriptions offered about Seattle’s neighborhoods back in 1936. They’re rated “A” to “D,” with “A” being best.